Akron parents keep girl's memory alive

It is a parent's worst nightmare. One moment your child is full of life playing a sport she loves; the next, she is lifeless on the soccer field.

An Akron mother would give anything to have her daughter back.

Annette and Dwayne Adamczak expected to see their daughter grow into a woman. Emily's recent death was a loss beyond measure.

Annette Adamczak said, "She'll always be there. It's not like she's gone."

The Adamczaks are now on a lifetime journey, with a number of other heartbroken parents.

Locally, the families of James Moore, Amanda Hansen, and Izaiah White recently lived through the same nightmare: the death of a child.

Annette said, "You can't justify it. You can't say they had a long life."

Emily collapsed on an Akron soccer field last month. A cardiologist had been treating her for what he diagnosed as low blood pressure. Her parents were shocked to learn via an autopsy that it was something else.

Annette said, "She had an artery that kinked in her heart. If you find your child is having an issue and you've gone to the doctor and don't get the result you're looking for, go see someone else."

As part of the grieving process, Emily's parents have experienced painful ups and downs, an emotional roller coaster that continued this week.

Emily's family learned that her organs were never donated due to a lack of blood flow. No one from Upstate Transplant ever called them.

Annette said, "We thought all along organs were donated, and some good came out and enabled someone else to live."

Emily's parents do find comfort in keeping her memory alive. A Chicken Barbeque and 5K Run will be held next weekend.

Annette said, "To know the community is there to hold you up, that proves western New York is the rare gem it is."

Emily's mom doesn't think any harm was meant by Upstate New York Transplant, but hopes the organization changes it's policy in the future, and lets families know when organs are denied.

In the meantime, the upcoming benefits will be held at Russell Park, right in the heart of Akron.

5K Run/Walk & Kids Sprint

Chicken Barbeque and Chinese Auction